Module SXU-2115:International Placement

Module Facts

Run by School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences

15 Credits or 7.5 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser:
Dr Hefin Gwilym

Overall aims and purpose

The International Experience Placement modules provide an opportunity for students to extend their understanding of their degree subject area by a period of study abroad. The module will also raise students' awareness of cross-cultural and transnational issues as they apply both within and outside their degree subject. It is expected that the modules, as part of their degree course, will enhance students’ experience and employment opportunities.

Course content

Each student will spend an extended period studying at a Host Institution overseas. During the module students will pursue studies relevant to the degree subject area. They will also learn about the country in which they are based, with particular emphasis on understanding and applying subject-specific knowledge in a different cultural setting. The content of the modules will be designed for each student in discussion with the Host Institution and will include elements of directed learning and/or supervision.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

(Grade D or C; mark range 40-59%)
There are weaknesses in the way that the report is structured, resulting in repetition and/or lack of clarity. It contains descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student but with evidence that the descriptions have not been fully developed. Knowledge directly related to the student’s degree subject is described but with little emphasis on any other knowledge acquired. There is little analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge and there is no evidence of critical evaluation. The report includes content in which the student evaluates her/his learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with little emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

good

(Grade B; mark range 60-69%)
The report is logically structured. It contains detailed descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described. There is some analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge but there is little critical evaluation. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates her/his learning experience, mainly as a retrospective description of the placement experience with only some emphasis on how the experiences might shape future learning.

excellent

(Grade A; mark range 70-100%)
The report is logically structured and with threads that create a holistic, coherent whole. It contains detailed and insightful descriptive text relating to the knowledge acquired by the student. Knowledge directly and indirectly related to the student’s degree subject is described with some exploration of the synergies between the various sources of knowledge. There is a well argued, critical analysis of the cultural influences on the interpretation and application of subject-specific knowledge. The report includes substantial content in which the student evaluates her/his learning experience, both as a retrospective description of the placement experience and as a critical reflection on how the experiences might shape future learning.

Learning outcomes

Appreciate how understanding and application of subject-specific knowledge is influenced by multi-cultural and transnational issues.

Acquire knowledge that will contribute to the student's general understanding of their degree subject area and that can be applied to their studies in subsequent modules.

Assessment Methods

Type

Name

Description

Weight

3,000 word report

100

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Private study

470

Tutorial

600 hours. This equates to a minimum placement of 15 weeks (at 40 hrs/week).
Shorter ‘intensive’ placements may also be permitted provided that students can achieve the module learning outcomes. The time allocated to the taught elements and private study will vary depending on the arrangements for each placement, as will the format of the taught elements. The experience of students will be consistent with the following:

Teaching Strategy:
The Tutorials (in-module) may comprise timetabled training sessions at the Host Institution and/or less formal, but regular, work-placement training. The Tutorials (in-module) will be delivered at the equivalent of 10 hrs per week. The actual times will vary depending on the nature of the placement and specific details will be included in the agreement with the Host Institution.

130

Transferable skills

Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media

Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software

Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance

Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information

Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others

Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations

Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.

Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others